Outcomes from a Multiple Risk Factor Diabetes Self-Management Trial for Latinas: !Viva Bien!

Background Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to assist Latinas in making multiple healthful lifestyle changes. Purpose The purpose of this study was to test a cultural adaptation of a successful multiple health behavior change program, !Viva Bien! Methods Random assignment of 280 Latinas with type 2 diabetes to usual care only or to usual care+!Viva Bien!, which included group meetings for building skills to promote the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, stress management, supportive resources, and smoking cessation. Results !Viva Bien! participants compared to usual care significantly improved psychosocial and behavioral outcomes (fat intake, stress management practice, physical activity, and social-environmental support) at 6 months, and some improvements were maintained at 12 months. Biological improvements included hemoglobin A1c and heart disease risk factors. Conclusions The !Viva Bien! multiple lifestyle behavior program was effective in improving psychosocial, behavioral, and biological/quality of life outcomes related to heart health for Latinas with type 2 diabetes (ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT00233259).